Search is on for baby rhino name
Although Germans name their own babies Mia or Ben, possible monikers for the latest arrival at Magdeburg zoo are all a little more exotic – Makini, Mali and Makena are among the suggestions for a baby rhino’s name.
Day: December 29, 2011
‘Mia’ and ‘Ben’ favourite baby names of 2011
German parents kept it short and sweet when picking a name for their new bundles of joy this year. The most popular baby names in 2011 were Mia for girls and Ben for boys.
Two arrested in hunt for cop killers
Police have arrested two men suspected of shooting dead a policeman after a dramatic chase through the woods in Bavaria two months ago, they announced on Thursday.
This year cost 2.3 percent more than last
Life became 2.3 percent more expensive in Germany during 2011, as shown by inflation figures for the year released by the government on Thursday.
Half of Germans optimistic for 2012
Nearly half of all Germans are looking towards 2012 with more hope than fear, though the main challenge may be keeping that optimism, one expert has warned.
Half a million kilometres of traffic jams this year
Far from effortlessly zooming down Autobahns at limitless speeds, German drivers are increasingly sitting in traffic– with nearly half a million kilometres of jams recorded this year.
Berlin’s spirits come in small batches
As the drinks flow over the days and nights leading up to January 1, spare a thought for the bumper crop of potatoes which introduced northern Germany to large-scale spirit making. Caitlan Carroll looked at what has evolved.
Cruise ships pollute like millions of cars
Those considering taking a cruise in the new year should choose carefully – in a single trip each ship operated by top German firms Aida Cruises and Tui Cruises creates as much pollution as five million cars, says environmental group Nabu.
More jobless only getting basic support
One in four people in Germany who lose their jobs have paid so little into the generous social security system that they go straight onto the lowest possible level of support.
The Local’s top five features of 2011
While the economy was on everyone’s mind this year, The Local’s feature writers took an in-depth look at stories that may have been off the radar. We’ve picked some of our favourites.